Abstract: A layout tool for laying out or “marking” positions at a predetermined spacing for the attachment of studs having a nominal thickness to a length of dimensioned lumber comprising a plate, when framing walls during construction of a building. The layout tool includes an elongated rail for placement against the plate, and a first stud marking guide extending perpendicularly from the elongated rail. The first stud marking guide has left and right side edges, and width between the side edges corresponding to the nominal thickness of the studs. A separate stud marking guide extends perpendicularly from the elongated rail. The second stud marking guide likewise has left and right side edges and a width between the side edges corresponding to the nominal thickness of the studs. The left edge of the second stud marking guide is spaced from the left edge of the first stud marking guide a distance equal to the predetermined stud spacing.

Abstract: An improved framing square having integral features for automating the marking and cutting of angles. The square contains two sliding carriages—one in the body and one in the blade. Each carriage has a deployable pin. In order to set an angle, the user first deploys the pins in each sliding carriage so that they protrude downward from the square. Next, the user sets the sliding carriage in the body to the desired position and locks it in place. The user then sets the sliding carriage in the blade to the desired position and locks it in place. The two pins protruding from the sliding carriages are then butted against the board to be cut. Once they are in place, the blade of the square will form the correct cutting angle across the board. Since many common cuts employ a twelve inch base leg, the invention includes another feature: Rather than set the sliding carriage within the body to twelve inches, the user may opt instead to deploy a fixed pin located in the body at the twelve inch position.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for scribing a paver. The tool allows for the alignment and scribing of rectangular pavers to be placed in an arc pattern. The tool includes an alignment head having a left end and a right end. A scribe guide extends from said alignment head, said scribed guide including a scribing side. A first guide pin extends from said right end of said alignment head and a second guide pin extends from said left end of said alignment head.

Abstract: An alignment tool for clip angles including an attachment portion adapted for being coupled with a square and a hole of a clip angle. The attachment portion should be perfectly alignment with the hole of the clip angle to define a properly positioned hole.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool to facilitate installation of deck construction includes a main body portion having at least one structural feature that defines a plane. At least one flange is coupled to the main body portion and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane. The flange may be used to maintain consistent spacing between decking planks during assembly. The tool also may be used to strike lines, space fasteners, maintain baluster spacing, identify distances and angles, and indicate levels.

Abstract: A framing layout square device for use by carpenters involved in locating spaced structural members for the framework of a building structure. The device has an elongate substantially straight positioning and measuring member having at least one straight edge for positioning contact with a structural member of a building framework. A plurality of transverse layout members project from one side said elongate positioning and measuring member beyond the straight edge and are located in spaced relation with one another. Each of the transverse layout members have at least one straight layout edge oriented in 90° relation with the straight edge of the positioning and measuring member, with the straight layout edges of the transverse layout members being parallel for defining equally spaced marking edges for marking the spaced locations of the structural members of a building framework. The transverse layout members may be fixed to the positioning and measuring member or may be movable to a storage position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining scale in captured images is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rectangular and generally flat frame device for determining scale in captured image. The frame has measurement indicia located along the inside edges and alignment markers located along the outside edges. The preferred embodiment has one measurement scale on two sides of the frame with an origin located at the corner between them and a different scale on the remaining two sides with an origin located at the opposite interior angle of the frame. A method of using the frame in conjunction with a digital camera and a computer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An alignment tool for clip angles including an attachment portion adapted for being coupled with a square and a hole of a clip angle. The attachment portion should be perfectly alignment with the hole of the clip angle to define a properly positioned hole.

Abstract: This Measuring and Drafting Tool relates to a new and useful type of measuring and drafting tool that may be used to accomplish a plurality of functions using a singular tool. These functions include application as a ruler, straight edge, T-square, square or squaring tool, center gage, an edge transcribing and duplicating tool, and as a tool for striking circles and circle arcs. Some modified embodiments of the Measuring and Drafting Tool are also capable of angle measurement and protractor functions, and may also include one or more bubble levels incorporated into the ruler segments, thereby allowing the user to check if a horizontal surface is level.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a stamp alignment device for use with a stamp having a height comprised of a base having first and second stamp guide edges. The first stamp guide edge and the second stamp guide edge connect in a substantially perpendicular manner creating an angled receiving area. At least one portion of each of the stamp guide edges is substantially higher than the height of the stamp mount. The stamp alignment device further comprises a non-slip surface attached to the bottom of the base and has a thickness. The non-slip surface has first and second non-slip surface guide edges that correspond to the first and second stamp guide edges of the base. Additionally, an image sheet is provided having a thickness less than the thickness of the non-slip surface. The image sheet has at least one substantially right angled corner configured to be placed into the first and second non-slip surface guide edges.

Abstract: An aligning and measuring device having a framing square with inner and outer converging edges connected by opposing upper and lower surfaces having a certain dimension. One or more laser beam generators providing one or more laser beams along a line in a plane transverse to the opposing surfaces and through one or more of said edges for aligning said edges directly relative to a surface engaged by the device hereof.

Abstract: An expandable tool for laying out and marking predetermined angular layout lines on a work surface. The tool is comprised of a first leg (202), second leg (204), and hypotenuse leg (206) which are assembled by the user such that the intersection of the first and second leg form the desired angle as defined by the hypotenuse (206). The general shape of the assembled tool will normally be a triangle. Each leg of the tool can consist of a single leg portion (or member), or alternatively, each leg can be made up of more than one leg portion. The ends of each leg are fitted with a fastening mechanism (214) for connecting the leg portions together. The tool can be made to various sizes by the addition and deletion of leg portions. Additionally, the tool can be disassembled to facilitate compact transport to subsequent work sites.

Abstract: A squaring tool formed of a flat piece of rigid material having a primary “L” configuration, including a first horizontal blade and a first vertical tongue, said first horizontal blade and said first vertical tongue lying in a common plane and intersecting at a perfect 90° right angle. A secondary “L” shaped form is included having a second horizontal blade and a second vertical tongue, with the second horizontal blade and the second vertical tongue also lying in a common plane and also intersecting at a perfect 90° right angle. The second horizontal blade extends from an inside edge of the first vertical tongue such that all blades and tongues lie in a common plane and the second horizontal blade is parallel to and spaced below the first horizontal blade, and the second vertical tongue is parallel to and spaced from the first vertical tongue.

Abstract: A geometric instrument useful as a carpentry tool. The invention is a square of thick aluminum plate in the shape of a right isosceles triangle with a handle fitted and perpendicular to the hypotenuse. A rabbet cut is made in the edges of equal sides of the triangular carpenter's square. A second embodiment employs adjustable feeler bars in place of the rabbet cut for checking the square of window and door jambs. Also, the miters or feeler bars facilitate the laying out of short points on the jams for miter cutting.

Abstract: A portable, plastic drawing template for quickly and accurately diagramming traffic intersections and accident scenes while preserving and establishing scaled curblines. Diagrams of intersections made with the disclosed template maintain the desired “square” geometrical relationship between intersecting streets or roads diagrammed. Numerous cutouts in the form of various symbols and shapes enable vehicles, topographical features, and other details to be drawn. The resilient, preferably L-shaped template has a square midsection integral with a pair of outwardly projecting, perpendicularly-oriented legs with calibrated edges. Each leg comprises a dimensioning slot and a projecting slot parallel with and spaced apart from one another for establishing critical drawing points used to align curblines. The template external and internal corners are curved differently to draw arcs of varying curvatures to be fitted to various curblines.

Abstract: A window measuring device measures the distance between a target feature and a datum feature on a window. In another aspect of the present invention, a window measuring device is flexibly conformable to a curved window. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a window measuring device having a pair of legs with incremental marking and a target feature alignment portion.

Abstract: A base is provided with right angularly disposed scales marked in degrees starting from zero degrees at an intersection of the scales. Indicators are elongate and pointed at their ends and each of different length. Placement of an indicator on the base in a diagonal manner with its ends on separate scales will indicate miter and bevel angles for a compound miter cut of each container panel. Each indicator bears a number to indicate the number of panels in a container having its panels cut using the compound angles identified by the indicator.

Abstract: A right angle graphing template useful for teaching students of various grade levels mathematical concepts, including concepts related to algebra and calculus. The template has first and second elongated ruler portions oriented perpendicular to one another and connected at an end to form a right angle. Each ruler portion has an inside scribing edge and a parallel outside scribing edge. A linear marking is placed within each ruler portion between and parallel to the inside and outside scribing edges. A vertex port is then placed at the point of intersection of the two linear markings. Finally, each ruler portion has a series of cross-markings perpendicular to the respective linear markings. The right angle graphing template allows the math student to quickly and accurately identify corresponding values in the domain and range of a function. This, in turn, assists students in learning mathematical principles such as rate-of-change which are demonstrated graphically.

Abstract: A carpenter' square provides a pair of I-shaped legs joined at right angles, each of the legs having a pair of back-to-back U-shaped channels preferably of a size for accepting a construction material, such as common 2×4, 2×6 and 2×8 lumber boards. The lumber may be inserted snugly into them so as to align the lumber at right angles. The square also may include a gusset plate for mounting the square onto a construction stake at any selected height and direction so as to enable the defining of a corner and its related orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A tool for determining the perpendicular of the face of a pipe flange relative to the outside diameter of the pipe to which the flange is being attached. The tool being a 90 degree framing square with a lateral or oblique leg portion. The lateral or oblique leg allows the square to be placed on edge with a first leg of the square parallel and in contact with the face of a pipe flange and a second leg at 90 degrees to the first leg extending beyond the pipe flange parallel to and in contact with the outer diameter of the pipe to be joined to the flange. Indicia is provided inscribed on the face of the squaring tool adjacent the contact edges to provide quick reference to the flange size and for use in various other construction layout measurements.

Abstract: A drywall marking and scoring guide tool having a generally T shape that includes a U-shaped top channel to slidably engage the edge of a drywall sheet, the top channel having a perpendicular stem extending from the channel and incorporating a plurality of guide apertures incrementally spaced along the stem's length. The guide apertures to receive a marking or scoring device so as the guide is drawn down the length of a drywall sheet the surface of the sheet is scored or marked.

Abstract: The present invention is a steelworker's layout tool for use in laying out the bolt and weld patterns used to connect steel structural members and in fitting up these members. Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise parallel arms which are spaced apart at distances which correspond to standard bolt spacing distances and which can be used to measure around the protruding flanges on steel members with channel shapes, I shapes or other cross-sectional variations.

Abstract: An illuminated evidence marker has a translucent pylon. A battery powered light is present in the interior of the pylon, and illuminates the pylon. The pylon has indicia, such as numbers or letters, on each side thereof, which may be in sequence when combined with other markers. The pylon sits on a base, which may have a scale formed or printed thereon.

Abstract: This invention is a one-piece formed tool designed for use in deck construction, incorporating a square, a hard 45 degree angle, angled edges of ⅛ inch and {fraction (3/16)} inch, a hanging hole for attachment of a string for use of the tool as a plumb, one set of green colored hole templates for placement and marking of locations for screws or nails when using 6 inch boards and another set of red colored hole templates for placement and marking of locations for screws or nails when using 4 inch boards.

Abstract: A scribe/guide tool used as a compass and to layout stair stringers. The tool is also used in conjunction with a straightedge or a rule to function as a compass, and is most often used in pairs. A scribe means is removably inserted into the body of the tool. The tool includes a clamping means with smooth surfaces to affix the scribe/guide tool to another cooperating tool. A clamp element is moved up and down relative to the main body via a screw drive. Position indicating edges of the main body of the tool are tapered to a very narrow point to reduce the possibility of accumulated error when marking a workpiece with the tool as a guide.

Abstract: A square holding a laser device for transmitting a laser beam to generate straight lines from the square to the surface upon which the laser beam impinges.

Abstract: A pipe fitting tool is provided including a square having a pair of planar rectangular strips coupled at ends thereof in perpendicular relationship. Also included is at least one holder having a pair of lower surfaces which form an angle with respect to each other. The holder further has a top surface secured to the square such that the same resides in a plane in which an intersection of the lower linear surfaces resides.

Abstract: A bucking and wrapping gauge suitable for installing windows is provided. The bucking portion of the gauge provides a constant setback distance for a window buck relative to outer edge of a window opening without using a ruler or other measurement tool. The wrapping portion of the gauge provides a constant wrapping distance that partially compensates for the thickness of the window buck so that it may be determined where to install an interior wall relative to a window frame so that a window wrap and the interior wall abut at a substantially right angle. The wrapping and bucking gauge may be implemented as a separate wrapping gauge and bucking gauge.

Abstract: A combination speed and framing square includes first and second legs joined to form a right angle. The first and second legs are substantially longer than those found on a typical framing square allowing higher pitch roof rafters to be sequentially marked in increments of two feet. A third leg is attached to the first and second legs forming the hypotenuse of a right triangle with the first and second legs. The third leg has an elongated marking aperture with hip and valley and common rafter marking indicia on opposing sides thereof as well as incremental angular indicia adjacent its outer edge as with a typical speed square. Level indicators such as bubble levels are disposed on the first and second legs. At each end of the first leg and at a distal end of the second leg is an integral elongated slot each dimensioned to removably receive a rolling measuring device with a digital distance indication means on the exterior thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using a power saw guide for use with a power saw having a sole plate with a fence-following surface spaced a set distance from a sawing plane of the power saw. The power saw guide comprising a long leg and a short leg that are mutually orthogonal legs defining an "L" shape. A permanently attached fence is located along the outer edge of each leg defining a sole-sliding edge to guide the fence-following surface of the saw. Each fence is located on opposite surfaces of the guide Opposite the sole-sliding edge of the fence, is a plank-contact edge that makes contact with plank edge and ensures the cutting of the plank is done perpendicular to the length. An apron gusset extends beyond the intersection of the legs in both mutually orthogonal directions. The apron gusset is aligned with the plank-contact edges of the fences. Since the set distance for each power saw is different, the apron gusset initially has a length that exceeds the set distance.

Abstract: A retaining bracket is provided for securing a carpenter's square thereto in a desired fixed position relative to the bracket, such that the carpenter's square can be used to mark surfaces of construction materials to be cut. The retaining bracket includes a pair of locking elements captured by and loosely carried in a channel within the bracket and having arm portions positioned outside of the bracket and pins extending through a slot in the bracket connecting the interior and exterior portions of the locking elements, and the arm portions are provided with locking screws which are advanced into contact with the square once the square is properly positioned, to thereby securely fasten the square to the bracket.

Abstract: A straight edge guide having a straight edge formed along a first elongated planar member. An elevated handle is provided to hold the device in place which positions a user's hand above a blade which traverses the elongated planar member, and which transfers a user's weight through the handle as the user is in the kneeling position to hold one end of the guide in place, while the opposite end of the guide is held in place by the user's knee. An outrigger is provided which provides further friction to hold the device in place.

Abstract: An attachment for the enhanced measurement accuracy of a combination square is provided which consists of a horizontally elongated base of generally rectangular shape. A rectangular base indentation is positioned along the horizontal centerline of the base, and forms a plane that is parallel to the bottom surface of the base. The base indentation lateral walls are equidistant from the horizontal centerline of the base, and are of sufficient lateral distance to allow the handle lower contact surface of a combination square to have sufficient lateral clearance to slidably engage the base indentation and rest against the base indentation contact surface. The vertical depth of the base indentation provides sufficient vertical clearance for the handle upper contact surface to fit within the assembled device.

Abstract: A carpenter's square having a first and second leg at right angles to each other, and a third leg extending between the first and second legs. A magnetic strip on the first leg for attaching the tool to a metallic surface to be plumbed. A first notch in the third leg a first distance from the first leg and a second notch in the third leg a second distance from the first leg so that a plumb string can be threaded through the first and second notches and thereby held in place to support a plumb bob to allow a plumb reading to be taken without the need for manually supporting the plumb bob.

Abstract: A combination carpenter's square and saw guide, and a conversion kit for converting an existing carpenter's square to such combination, utilizes a standard L-shaped square with a channel mounted on each leg of the square and extended in the same direction so that the channels are each extended in the X or Y direction and are on opposite faces of the flat carpenter's square. A rod is axially slidably inserted into each channel, and the distal end of the rod is extended out beyond the corner of the square a distance equal to the distance between the sole plate of a circular hand saw and the plane of the blade, and fixed in this position. The resulting tool is a carpenter's square which also acts as a convenient saw guide, as the workman can back off the square until the tip of the rod aligns with a pencil mark made at the cut line, and use the square for a saw fence.

Abstract: A method for making a builder's tool such as a rafter square includes severing a segment from an elongate strip of material, forming a plurality of holes in the segment and marking the segment with dimensional indicia. The segment is then divided into two semi-finished components which are finish-machined to make two of the tools. In more specific aspects of the method, the forming step includes forming, in sequence, first and second sets of holes. The second set of holes includes a tool-receiving hole and the dividing step includes moving a cutting tool along the tool-receiving hole. Most preferably, the method is carried out using a press having a bed with first, second and third work stations, a movable platen carrying first and second hole-punching tools above the first and second work stations, respectively, and a marking tool above the third work station.

Abstract: A drawing instrument such as a drawing triangle (2) comprising a handle (32) and rulers along edges (10, 12) which mutually form a right angle and two acute angles (6, 8). Alternatively, the drawing instrument may be a protractor (36) having a handle (48) with a circular ruler (38) along its peripheral outer edge. Both the drawing triangle (2) and protractor (36) are provided as a three-dimensional, spatial body having a handle (32, 48) formed by an upper, preferably open, part of the spatial body and having outer side edges (10, 12, 38) which preferably are provided with scales and define a common ground plane adapted to rest against a drawing plane, preferably a generally vertical black-board.

Abstract: An L-shaped positioning tool is I-shaped in cross section, including inner and outer flanges on a centrally positioned stem, with aligned slots being formed in the edges of the flanges to receive screws and a screwdriver for fastening the positioning tool to a workpiece. Alternatively the positioning tool may be temporarily fastened to a workpiece through the use of a strip of material having adhesive on opposite faces. After the workpieces have been fastened together, the positioning tool is removed from the first workpiece by the adhesive being softened through application of heat or a solvent.

Abstract: A combination square and tape measure comprises a square having first and second legs arranged perpendicular to each other and a tape measure including a housing encasing a flexible measuring tape. A mounting structure attaches the tape measure to one leg of the square. The mounting structure supports the tape measure for pivotable movement about the square; wherein the tape measure may be rotated about the square from at least a reclined position where a plane bisecting the housing of the tape measure is parallel to the plane of the square to a fully inclined upright position where the plane bisecting the tape measure is orthogonal the plane of the square. The mounting structure maintains the outer surface of the tape measure at an elevated spaced apart position relative to the plane of the square when the tape measure is maintained in the reclined position.

Abstract: A combination square and bending tool (10, 210 or 310) is described. The tool has a first leg (12, 212 or 312) and a second leg (14, 214 or 314) with the first leg having a bending portion. The bending portion includes a plate (16 and 18 and 316 and 318) mounted on the first leg and parallel and spaced apart from the first leg to create a slot (20, 220 and 320). To bend metal, the metal is inserted into the slot and the tool is rotated using the second leg to provide leverage.

Abstract: An accessory for a wet diamond tile saw that allows the saw operator to cut accurate and consistent angled cuts in both planar and non-planar tile and related materials such as stone. The accessory has a slot in the bottom which sits over the fence on the tile saw, thus holding the accessory at a fixed angle to the saw. The accessory can be fitted with a pivoting plate which can hold curved pieces of tile.

Abstract: A carpenter's square that can have the arms thereof separated for ease of storage and joined together during use includes a over-center latch arrangement designed to be no thicker than the thickness dimension of the arm members and which, when operated, tightly clamps the arms of the square at right angles to one another. A first arm of the square has an opening formed through the thickness dimension thereof along with alignment bores extending inwardly from a side edge thereof on either side of the opening. The second arm includes the over-center latch pivotally mounted in a slot or channel and includes a latch plate pivotally joined to a coupling member having a head thereon designed to fit within the opening on the first arm member. When the latch plate is manually actuated so as to reside within the slot of the second arm, the head on the coupling member cooperates with an edge defined by the opening in the first arm to tightly clamp the first and second arms one to the other.

Abstract: A hands free square and level which includes a self holding square that has central channels formed by opposing inner and outer walls. The central channels include mounting holes in its outer wall to allow it to be mounted on a work piece via screws. An inner wall, opposing the outer wall, has corresponding screw driver apertures to allow access to the screws by a screwdriver. The central channel also has transverse bolt apertures which allow the square to be face mounted on a work surface by inserting a bolt through a transverse bolt aperture and then into a work surface. A separate detachable level is sized to slidably fit within a central channel. Hands free operation is achieved by attaching the self holding square to a work surface and then inserting the level into a central channel. An alternative embodiment uses one or more levels which are integrally mounted on the square.

Abstract: A channel extending longitudinally through an extension bar snugly but slidably receives the base flange of a speed square. The extension bar can be locked in a desired position relative to the square, and has mechanism for mounting a stop peg at a desired position along the length of the bar. The position of the square relative to a board to be marked or cut is set by engaging the stop peg against the end of the board while the extension bar is held flush against a longitudinal edge of the board. Each of several different boards can be marked at a predetermined desired length and/or an edge of the speed square can be used as a guide fence for a portable power saw.

Abstract: A guide device for securing carpet to a floor incorporates an elongated main body having an aligning edge portion for positionally aligning with a Z-bar secured to a floor to be carpeted, and an elongated vertical edge element operatively secured to a top surface of the main body and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body. The vertical edge element is positioned a predetermined distance from the aligning edge portion along an entire length of the main body. In operation, the aligning edge portion of the guide device is positionally aligned with a bend portion of a Z-bar secured to a floor to be carpeted. A carpet to be secured with the Z-bar is laid on top of the Z-bar and the guide device. The carpet is then cut along the vertical edge element of the guide device, wherein a remaining portion of the carpet extends approximately the predetermined distance beyond the bend portion of the Z-bar. Finally, the remaining portion of the carpet is secured underneath the Z-bar.

Abstract: A device for connecting the arms 4 of an angle, in particular a construction angle, comprises a corner piece 1 with two rails 5 which are at right angle to each other and to which the arms 4 which are formed by straight battens are connected by clamping bands 6.

Abstract: A bull nose corner marking apparatus includes a body having a first section and a second section joined perpendicularly relative to one another for placing about an outside corner of a wall. The first section and second section define an internal area corresponding to the shape of a bull nose corner end molding piece. Through utilization of the marking apparatus, proper markings can quickly be made on an outside corner of a wall. In addition, a bull nose corner end molding piece can be quickly measured and marked for completing the construction of a bull nose corner molding location.

Abstract: A T-square for wallboard having a knife-sharpening means mounted on the body of the T-square, allowing the user of the T-square to easily and efficiently sharpen a trimming knife while the T-square is held in operative position on the wallboard. The sharpener may be a simple slot in the T-square, or blades mounted in a "V" formation, or a sharpening stone. The body of the T-square is preferably coated in a fluorescent color coating.

Abstract: A tool for aligning vinyl corner posts during installation has a flat, generally L-shaped body member. The body member is formed from first and second leg portions which meet in a 90.degree. angle. An aperture is formed in the interior edge of the body member which is symmetrically disposed with respect to the 90.degree. angle for receiving a vinyl corner post. To use the tool, the vinyl corner post is pushed into the aperture where it fits snugly. The assembly is then pressed against the corner of the building, and the flat interior edges of the legs of the body member are pressed against the sides of the house to align the corner post to the building. The corner post is then nailed into position, while sliding the tool on the corner post to maintain the proper orientation along the entire length of the post.

Abstract: A device for locating the position of a receptacle in a wall which is covered during the construction process. The receptacle locating device includes a guide module, such as a plate-shaped body with an interior opening conforming to the configuration of a receptacle, for indicating the receptacle. The receptacle locating device also includes an attachment module for connecting the guide module to a portion of a mounting apparatus, such as a leg of a squaring tool. When another portion of the mounting apparatus, such as the other leg of the squaring tool, is held against a second wall, such as the floor, that intersects the first wall, the receptacle locating device attached to the mounting apparatus can be aligned with the receptacle and later used to pinpoint the location of the receptacle after the receptacle is subsequently covered.